Fly to Beijing from hometown. Cross the International Date Line.

Arrive in Beijing, the capital city of China. Your tour guide will greet you at the airport arrival hall and then transfer you to your hotel for a good night’s rest. A welcome dinner will be arranged for you in the evening (if your flight lands before 5 pm local time)

Your China tour starts today from Beijing which has served as the capital of five dynasties over a period of 800 years. Start your city tour with a visit to the Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. Next stop is the Forbidden City. This complex is the largest and most intact conglomeration of ancient imperial palace ever built in the world. In the afternoon, continue to the Temple of Heaven, which was used by emperors to offer sacrifices to heaven and pray for good harvest in ancient times. In the evening, enjoy a fabulous Peking Roast Duck dinner. After that, return to your hotel or you have the option to join the Chinese martial art show- “The Legend of Kung-fu” at your own expense.

The highlight today is a tour of the astonishing Great Wall (at Juyong Pass). As the most famous image of China, it is the only manmade object visible from the moon and one of the Wonders of the World. After lunch, see skilled artisans at work at a Cloisonné Factory. Later, visit the Changling Exhibition Hall of the Ming Tombs, where 13 out of 16 Ming Dynasty emperors were buried. Return to the city, walk along the Qianmen (Front Gate) Street and then have an up-close view of the beautiful Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, both of which are national stadiums built for the 2008 Olympics. You’ll also have an opportunity to visit one of the largest Jade Centers in Asia today to learn the Chinese jade culture and shop for authentic jade souvenirs. After dinner, cap off the day by enjoying an exciting Chinese Acrobatic Show.

In the morning, tour the exquisite Summer Palace (Imperial Garden), the largest ancient preserved garden in China followed by a shopping visit to the renowned Chinese Herbal Institute- Tong Ren Tang. After lunch, you’ll have your afternoon free to explore the city by yourself. You may join our optional Experience the Hutong (Old Alley) Life tour or just stroll along the Wang-fu-jing Business Street at leisure.

Fly to Xi’an in the morning. Xi’an was the first Chinese city to open its doors to the world during the Tang Dynasty and the capital for eleven dynasties over a period of more than 2,000 years. Upon arrival, visit the Terra Cotta Warriors Museum and see the life-sized defending army to the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. This site is regarded as “the Eighth Wonder of the World” and is among the top archaeological excavations of the 20th century. Visit an Art Ceramics Factory followed by the special Imperial Dumpling Banquet Dinner and traditional Tang Dynasty Singing and Dancing Show in the evening.

Visit the Shanxi Provincial Historical Museum in the morning. Enjoy a local special noodle lunch and watch an interesting Hand-pull Noodle Making Demonstration. After lunch, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the symbol of the city. Walk along the Ancient City Wall ,which is not only the most complete city wall that has survived in China but also one of the largest and most complete ancient military defense systems in the world Stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter to visit the Grand Mosque and explore the Islamic food market.

In the morning, fly to the city of Guilin. With its name translating to “Forest of Sweet Osmanthus”, Guilin has long been renowned for its unique scenery, amazing karst landscapes and rich ethnic cultures. Tour the Elephant Trunk Hill and the Reed Flute Caves where you’ll be amazed by the extraordinary karst limestone formations. Enjoy local Minority Dancing and Singing Show in the evening.

Enjoy a relaxing cruise tour along the Li River. The journey offers 30 miles of breathtaking scenery. You may have an opportunity to catch the fascinating sights of fisherman with cormorant birds while enjoying your lunch on board. Arrive in Yangshuo Village in the afternoon. Walk along the 1,400 years old West Street and then take a sightseeing car to explore the beautiful Yangshuo local village. You have the option to watch a large scale ethnic show over the Li River- “Impression Liu San Jie” at your own expense this evening.

Return to Guilin in the morning and fly to Shanghai, the modern metropolis and commercial center of China. Walk along the Bund, a mile-long stretch along the Huangpu River. Lined by the colonial architectures of European design; this area is the best place to capture the western influences of the old days. Continue the day by visiting the Ming Dynasty Yuyuan Garden which is considered to be one of the four greatest Chinese gardens. Our final stop will be the bustling shopping district, Nanjing Road. After dinner, you may join an optional tour, the Night Cruise on the Huangpu River at your own expense.

After breakfast, visit the Shanghai Museum. Spend ample time there to see the ancient Chinese art, furniture and jade. Enjoy authentic Shanghai cuisine for lunch. This afternoon will be at your leisure. You may take this time to do some last-minute souvenir and gift shopping or further explore the city on your own.

Your China journey is over all too soon as you get transferred to the airport and fly back home. You’ll arrive home on the same day as you leave China.